DP’s Morales is Presidio’s All-City Girls Soccer MVP

Malia Morales made throw-ins a goal-scoring play for the Dos Pueblos girls soccer team.

“In my 25 years of coaching, I have never seen a male or female player possess the accuracy and delivery that she possesses with her throw-ins,” Dos Pueblos coach Hugh Hollis said of Morales.

Dos Pueblos junior Malia Morales assisted on almost half of Dos Pueblos’ goals this season and added four goals. (Presidio Sports Photo)

But that wasn’t the only part of her game that made Morales special. Her ability to beat defenders on the dribble and slip balls through to teammates made her tough to contain.

Presidio Sports is pleased to select Morales as MVP of the All-City Girls Soccer Team.

The success Dos Pueblos had this season was in large part due to the play of Morales. The junior attacking midfielder dished out an amazing 14 assists to go along with her four goals.

“Without a doubt she achieved more assists than any other player, male or female, in the Channel League,” Hollis said. “Many of the opposing defenders found her very difficult to defend against and many opportunities and goals were created or scored as a result of her throw-ins or perfect passes.”

Morales’ DP teammates appreciated her ability to set them up for scoring opportunities.

“Often it’s those attackers that score consistently that get all the accolades, but when you have a player in your team that can deliver and provide opportunities for players to score in every game this is a tremendous asset and is the difference in competitive games,” Hollis said.

“Malia works hard in practice and is an excellent student in the classroom. She is technically sound and, in addition to being the leading player with assists, has also scored several goals. “She has been an important part of the DP girls soccer program since her freshman year and we look forward to her continued success as a senior in the 2015-16 season.”

Based upon on-court performance and team leadership, the All-City All-Star Teams are selected by Presidio Sports to recognize the top high school student-athletes competing on the South Coast in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria.

Each All-City selection will receive a special award certificate and be recognized in a pre-game ceremony at a Santa Barbara Foresters baseball game in early June (TBD).

2014-2015 All-City Girls Soccer Team:

Malia Morales, Junior, Dos Pueblos, MVP

Kiara Pickett, Soph., Dos Pueblos: The defensive MVP in the Channel League is also a threat on offense. She had five goals and three assists. “She’s technically very strong and possibly the best player in the league,” said coach Hollis. Pickett is ranked in the top 10 in the nation in her age group.

Kelsie Bryant, Sr., Carpinteria: Bryant finished her high school career on a high note with 14 goals and 19 assists. She played wherever the team needed her. “She really controlled not just the midfield but the game and stepped up in the scoring category when our team went into goal droughts,” said coach Charles Bryant.

Alexa Benitez, Sr., Carpinteria: Benitez played with the heart of a lion. She commanded respect from opponents with her ball skills, defensive play and tireless energy. “I have called her ‘Rudy’ for about 10 years as there has never been a player more similar to the character in the football movie of the same name,” said coach Bryant.

Alea Hyatt, Soph., Santa Barbara: She led the Dons in scoring with 20 points (7 goals, 6 assists) and was the team’s Outstanding Offensive Player. “She is very hard to play against and loves to take people on. She is a true attacker,” said coach Jill Wolf.

Erin Graf, Sr., Santa Barbara: A versatile player, she anchored the Dons’ defense at times and helped the attack from the midfield. “She has great vision and combines nicely with our attacking players. We will really miss Erin next season,” said Wolf.

Katherine Hawks, Jr., Santa Barbara: The Dons’ goalkeeper notched six shutouts and posted a 1.2 goals-against average. “She is tough both mentally and physically,” said Wolf. “She kept us in several games this season.”

Angela Penza, Sr., Dos Pueblos: The speedy central defender was a standout all season. “She was solid in defense and motivated players on and off the field,” said coach Hugh Hollis. “She’s very well respected by her peers.”

Ady Willett, Sr., Dos Pueblos: The Chargers’ leading goal scorer with 15. “Ady is a natural goal scorer. With her strength and pace, she has the ability to change a game,” said Hollis. Willett will continue her career at Cal State L.A.

Jill Giannini, Soph., Bishop Diego: A technically proficient player with a great competitive attitude, said her coach Josh Rodezno. She scored six goals.

Chloe Hamer, Soph., San Marcos: A tenacious striker, Hamer’s movement off the ball made life difficult for opposing defenses. “Her movement on the field created opportunities for others to score and she did a fantastic job of pressuring an opponent’s back line,” said coach Macie Berlin.